[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 113 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SCLC AND REVEREND DR. S. L. HARVEY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. WILLIAM J. JEFFERSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 2008

  Mr. JEFFERSON. Madam Speaker, on February 14, 1957, a little more 
than 51 years ago, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, 
was founded in New Orleans, LA. It is returning to New Orleans today 
for its 50th Annual Convention, to celebrate its founding and to mark 
the progress it has made over the years.
  On the date of its founding, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend 
A.L. Davis, Reverend Avery Alexander, Reverend Simmie Harvey, and 
others meet at New Zion Baptist Church located on 3rd Street in New 
Orleans to organize the SCLC. Of those present on that date, Dr. Simmie 
Harvey is the only living organizer. Additionally for the past 33 
years, he has led the Louisiana Chapter of the SCLC as its President.
  Reverend Dr. S.L. Harvey was educated at the Tensas Parish High 
School in St. Joseph, Louisiana, Utica Institute in Utica, Mississippi 
and Union Baptist College and Theological Seminary where he received 
both his Master's Degree in Theology and his Doctor of Divinity.
  Reverend Dr. Harvey was present at the planning of the march in 
Washington, DC., where Dr. King delivered his ``I Have a Dream'' 
speech. Reverend Harvey is a living legend and Drum Major for Justice 
for all people. He continues to carry the torch for freedom that Dr. 
King and other founders of the SCLC lit in 1957.
  As we celebrate the life and work of the SCLC, it is impossible to do 
so without celebrating Dr. Harvey's life and work at the same time. The 
two are inextricably intertwined. We thank God for him. I am proud to 
join the U.S. Congress and our nation in honoring him.

                          ____________________